A new year has arrived, and as diligent accountants (read: organized nerds), we’re already looking ahead to make sure you’re prepared for the important tax deadlines in 2025.
To keep things straightforward, we’ve compiled a list of the most common tax deadlines Canadians will encounter this year.
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Personal Tax Deadlines for 2026
Here are your personal tax deadlines for 2026.
Tax Deadlines for Self-Employed
If you or your spouse earned business income in 2025, your personal tax return is due June 15, 2026.
However, note that any taxes owing are still due by April 30, 2026, even though the return filing date is later.
Tax Deadlines if Not Self-Employed
For Canadians without self-employment income, both your tax return and any taxes owing are due on April 30, 2026.
This is the most common filing scenario for individuals.
Tax Installments for 2026
If you’re required to make instalment payments, here are the 2026 deadlines:
- March 16, 2026 (Usually, the deadline is March 15, but since it falls on a Sunday in 2026, the CRA gives you one extra day)
- June 15, 2026
- September 15, 2026
- December 15, 2026
Missing installments deadlines can lead to interest charges, so be sure to mark your calendar or set reminders.
RRSP Contribution Deadline for 2026 Tax Deductions
You have until March 2, 2026, to contribute to your RRSP and have it count toward reducing your 2025 taxes owing.
Because it can take time to organize and process contributions, we recommend planning ahead and contributing well before the deadline.
Corporate Tax Deadlines for 2026
Corporate tax deadlines differ because businesses can have fiscal year-ends that don’t align with the calendar year.
Corporate Tax Returns
Corporate tax returns must be filed six months after the fiscal year-end.
Examples:
- A business with a December 31, 2025 year-end must file by June 30, 2026.
- A business with a March 31, 2026 year-end must file by September 30, 2026.
Corporate Taxes Owing
Taxes owing for corporations are due earlier—two months after the fiscal year-end.
However, Canadian Controlled Private Corporations that qualify for the small business deduction get an extra month, making their taxes due three months after the fiscal year-end.
Most incorporated small businesses in Canada will fall under the three month deadline, but because it’s a little tricky to determine, we recommend checking with your accountant to make sure.
T4A and T5018 Slips Deadline
If your business pays significant amounts to individuals or subcontractors, you may have to file T4A slips or T5018 slips:
- T4A slips are for payments to individuals, such as self-employed workers
- T5018 slips are for payments to subcontractors in the construction industry
Both slips must be filed with the CRA and issued to recipients by March 2, 2026 (Usually, the deadline is February, but since it falls on a Saturday, the CRA gives you two extra days)
GST / HST Deadlines
For businesses that collect GST/HST, the deadlines depend on GST/HST filing frequency.
Monthly Filers
For monthly GST/HST filers, returns and amounts owing are due one month after the reporting period ends.
- Example: A February 2026 filing period is due by March 31, 2026.
Quarterly Filers
For quarterly GST/HST filers, returns and amounts owing are due one month after the reporting period ends.
- Example: A January–March 2026 period is due by April 30, 2026.
Annual Filers (Except Individuals With December 31 Year-Ends)
For annual GST/HST filers, returns and amounts owing are due three months after the reporting period ends.
- Example: A July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 filing period is due by September 30, 2026.
Annual Filers (Individuals With December 31 Year-Ends)
For individuals (AKA self-employed people) filing annually:
- GST/HST ownings due April 30, 2026
- The GST/HST Return filing is due June 15, 2026
Payroll Remittances
One last thing we want to remind you of: if you have employees, you owe payroll remittances to the CRA, and this is one area they’re very strict about. Due dates depend on your payroll frequency, but in most cases, monthly remittances are due on the 15th of the following month.
To stay compliant, check out our payroll guide that walks youthrough how payroll remittances work.
Avalon Can Help
Tax deadlines can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be!
We truly enjoy helping and we take pride in being organized and making sure that we don’t miss deadlines.
Check out our Service Packages to learn more!
